LED lights in Headington – County response

We have contacted the County Council following national newspaper articles on a recent Public Health England document that referred to adverse health effects of LED street lighting.

The street lighting team has sent us a statement as follows (sic):

“The Council is fully aware of the report published by Public Health England, which builds on previous research which has been available for some time and refers primarily to the much  5000k LED lights that are available on the market which, whilst the most energy efficient, contain a higher level of blue light. Since the council started implementing LED lighting however, the council has acknowledged the need to balance potential savings in energy use and potential health impacts and as such have specified a warmer light for residential areas (3000k) and slightly bluer light (4000k) for the strategic road network. This approach follows the guidance outlined within the PHE report. Notwithstanding this, it is recognised that there are always people who may be more sensitive to such lighting than others, and where this has occurred the council has worked with individuals to install further modifications to minimise the impact and will continue to do so on a case by case basis.”

 

Street lighting upgrade for Headington: schedule of works

LED street light

Oxfordshire County Council has secured funding to upgrade street lights across the county. Some of these in streets north of London Road have already been replaced, but we now have a schedule for the rest.

Initially the lights will appear brighter but they will save energy consumption.

A site survey will be carried out first to note any likely problems, and the lamps will be installed one unit at a time. There will be one van and 8 operatives on site and some parking areas may need to be suspended for short periods while the lamps are upgraded.

Balfour Beatty and the County Council street lighting team will send out letters to residents in affected roads nearer the time

SCHEDULE OF WORK

Week commencing 10th July

  • Bickerton Road
  • Gardiner Street
  • Latimer Grange
  • Norton Close
  • Piper Street
  • Stapleton Road
  • Wilberforce Street
  • Windsor Street

Week beginning 17th July

  • Bateman Street
  • Kennett Road
  • Langley Close

Week beginning 24th July

  • Perrin Street
  • St Anne’s Road
  • Stephen Road

Week beginning 31st July

  • All Saints Road
  • Latimer Road
  • Lime Walk
  • New High Street

Week beginning 7th August

  • York Road